Integration of seismic data, iodine geochemistry yields Lodgepole exploration model
- Atoka Geochemical Services Corp., Englewood, CO (United States)
- StratSeis Geophysical Inc., Englewood, CO (United States)
The recent discovery of prolific Mississippian Lodgepole mounds near Dickinson, N.D., has resulted in one of the most exciting US exploration plays in several decades. the presence of the mounds in the Williston basin around Dickinson in North Dakota; in outcrop in central Montana; and in the subsurface of eastern Montana, northern Alberta, southwestern Manitoba, and southeastern Saskatchewan suggests a potential target that could be found over the entire basin and especially on the eastern margin. However, as prolific as the Lodgepole wells near Dickinson are, they are not easily found by simple subsurface mapping, interpreting existing 2D seismic, or newly acquired 3D seismic data (as proved by dry holes located on 3D seismic data). Presented here are a section and map examples of two different exploration methods used together over two producing areas near Dickinson, N.D. When the two methods are used together, in synergistic fashion, they provide a higher degree of success than when used apart. this approach can be used as a model for future exploration. The empirical signature of a Lodgepole mound on conventionally acquired and processed, high-resolution 2D and swath 2D seismic data is clearly expressed in the nature and character of the seismic event representing the contrast between the lodgepole and underlying rocks. Furthermore, and more importantly, there is direct correlation between the occurrence of surface iodine geochemical anomalies and the location of Lodgepole mounds on map and profile views of the seismic data.
- OSTI ID:
- 103970
- Journal Information:
- Oil and Gas Journal, Vol. 93, Issue 38; Other Information: PBD: 18 Sep 1995
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Dickinson field lodgepole reservoir: Significance of this Waulsortian-type mound to exploration in the Williston Basin
Use of iodine surface geochemical surveys in the Lodgepole and Minnelusa plays, U.S. northern Rockies