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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

AAPG Bulletin

Abstract


Volume: 43 (1959)

Issue: 7. (July)

First Page: 1774

Last Page: 1775

Title: Geophysics, Geology, and Economics in Deep Fields: ABSTRACT

Author(s): Previous HitPaulNext Hit Previous HitWeaverTop

Article Type: Meeting abstract

Abstract:

O. C. Clifford last March concluded that our oil finding will pay off if directed to areas not presently producing. Morgan Davis in November stated that both old and new areas in the United States are contributing to new production. Also in November, L. F. McCollum contended the most pressing problem was economic, that of cost reduction, especially in development and lifting costs, but also in the 35% of total cost he classified as for exploration.

All of these authors seemed concerned with the drilling-in and production of fields similar to those we now have, and did not appraise separately deeper prospective production, which will be the exclusive subject of this paper.

To this end the physics of deeper rocks must be set forth, if different or distinct for production from those now exploited.

Secondly, consideration must be given to the resolving power to find deeper structures by geophysics, and subsequently the aid possible from geophysics in development. Economics of both must be improved if the greater cost of each deep well is to be offset by reducing total number of development wells if possible, as advocated by McCollum.

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Methods of effecting these ends include: (1) using physical measurements of larger rock units than cores, e.g., velocity surveys; (2) figuring back in time to date the epochs of diagenesis, of folding, and of fluid migration, and (3) predicting pressure reduction effects on sediments, to preclude production losses and extra costs, such as at Wilmington, California, described last March by U. S. Grant.

This topic is a concrete phase of concurrent geologic-geophysic deductions, which seem to have been applied too meagerly in the past to development programs to assist cutting costs.

Similar applications are indicated for water production.

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Copyright 1997 American Association of Petroleum Geologists