The potential use of biogeochemistry in the detection of petroleum microseepage

Journal Article · Mon Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1992 · AAPG Bulletin (American Association of Petroleum Geologists); (United States)

OSTI ID:7025248

Klusman, R W; Saeed, M A ^[1]; Abu-Ali, M A ^[2]

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1. Colorado School of Mines, Golden (United States)
2. Aramco, Dhahran (Saudi Arabia)

Biogeochemistry was applied to the indirect detection of petroleum microseepage in the vicinity of Eagle Springs oil field, Railroad Valley, Nevada, and Cave Canyon field, Paradox basin, Utah. Trace elements were measured in native vegetation over and surrounding areas of production at the test sites. The oxidation of microseepage in the upper part of the soil column is postulated to cause an increase in plant uptake of transition trace elements such as iron, manganese, and vanadium, and a decrease in plant uptake of alkaline earth elements such as calcium, strontium, and barium. Compared to nonproductive areas, an increase in uptake of transition trace elements and a decrease in alkaline earth elements was observed in Fourwing salt-bush over Eagle Springs field. The postulated increase in uptake of transition trace elements and decrease in alkaline earth elements was not as apparent in Big sage-brush nor in Utah juniper over the Cave Canyon field. The observation of the postulated effects on vegetation at Eagle Springs may be due to the relatively large rates of microseepage independently observed using other methods, and the extensive faulting in Railroad Valley. The weaker response observed at Cave Canyon may reflect the lack of faulting and the retention of light hydrocarbons in the reservoir. Another possible reason for weal response is that the available plant species at Cave Canyon do not exhibit the effect at the lower soil pH measured in the area. At low pH and low Eh, the solubility of transition elements in soil pore waters and plant uptake is increased. Due to the high soil pH of the Railroad Valley area, the uptake of alkaline earth elements should be decreased where microseepage is occurring because of crystallization of carbonate minerals.

• OSTI ID: 7025248
• Journal Information: AAPG Bulletin (American Association of Petroleum Geologists); (United States), Journal Name: AAPG Bulletin (American Association of Petroleum Geologists); (United States) Vol. 76:6; ISSN AABUD; ISSN 0149-1423
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020200* -- Petroleum-- Reserves
Geology
& Exploration
ALKALINE EARTH METALS
BIOGEOCHEMISTRY
CHEMISTRY
DEVELOPED COUNTRIES
ELEMENTS
EXPLORATION
FEDERAL REGION IX
FEDERAL REGION VIII
GEOCHEMICAL SURVEYS
GEOCHEMISTRY
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
METALS
MINERAL RESOURCES
NEVADA
NORTH AMERICA
PARADOX BASIN
PETROLEUM DEPOSITS
PH VALUE
PLANTS
RESOURCES
SEEPS
SOIL CHEMISTRY
SOLUBILITY
SURVEYS
TRANSITION ELEMENTS
UPTAKE
USA
UTAH